Jared is 3 years old! He is such a fun, loving, independent, rascally kid that I wouldn't trade for the world. He has been so fun to have in our family and it's hard to believe he's not a baby anymore. My Grandpa and Grandma came and picked him up around lunch time to take him for a treat and to shop around. He climbed into the seat, got his seat belt on and was ready to go. They took him to Fred Meyer and walked up and down the toy asile with him. They said he was really good and never ran off. What a good thing for them! They never would have caught him! After that, they took him to McDonalds for an ice cream.
Sunday night we had a family party for both him and my Mom. Her birthday was Saturday so we decided to have cake and ice cream for both of them. I didn't feel like making a cake so I made cupcakes. I started thinking about how much Jared likes Angry Birds and thought that making the cupcakes into pigs and building a tower would be fun. Mark, Emma and Derek had a great time building a tower and I was a little nervous that someone would bump into the table and we would have frosted building blocks on our hands. Fortunately the tower held throughout the party.
I have some great pictures but when I tried to upload them, it said the blog storage was full...
Not sure how to work things out so for now, there are no pictures :(
I'll put some up when I figure it out.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Friday, December 7, 2012
TMI!!
For those who don't like reading about the bathroom... Stop here!
For every other person who likes a good laugh at someone else's expense, here's my story.
We went to Costco last night to voluntarily drain our bank account with all the kids. We always go eat food first. While Mark was waiting in line to order, I told him I was going to the bathroom. In the middle of going to the bathroom, I see Jared's little shoes appear outside my door. I said, "Jared, mommy's in the bathroom. I'm almost done. Don't go anywhere!" All of a sudden my door bursts open and I can see myself in the mirror in front of me. I let out a little shriek, grab Jared's arm, pull him in and shut the door. Just when I think the worst is over, Jared says in a not so quiet voice, "Mommy stink?" I was like, "No! Shhhh!" Then he said, "Mommy just pee?" Why do kids have to ask these questions!!! I whispered, "yes, be quiet!" I quickly finish up and as I come out of the stall, I'm nervously looking around for people watching and muffling their laughs. Unbelievably, I don't see a single soul. As I'm washing my hands, I'm non-chalantly looking under the stalls from the mirror to see if I can see other peoples' shoes. Not a pair in sight. What luck!!
Back at the table I tell Mark my story, which is a lot more funny after knowing nobody was there. He said, "that's the kind of thing you need to blog about!"
Hence the blog.
For every other person who likes a good laugh at someone else's expense, here's my story.
We went to Costco last night to voluntarily drain our bank account with all the kids. We always go eat food first. While Mark was waiting in line to order, I told him I was going to the bathroom. In the middle of going to the bathroom, I see Jared's little shoes appear outside my door. I said, "Jared, mommy's in the bathroom. I'm almost done. Don't go anywhere!" All of a sudden my door bursts open and I can see myself in the mirror in front of me. I let out a little shriek, grab Jared's arm, pull him in and shut the door. Just when I think the worst is over, Jared says in a not so quiet voice, "Mommy stink?" I was like, "No! Shhhh!" Then he said, "Mommy just pee?" Why do kids have to ask these questions!!! I whispered, "yes, be quiet!" I quickly finish up and as I come out of the stall, I'm nervously looking around for people watching and muffling their laughs. Unbelievably, I don't see a single soul. As I'm washing my hands, I'm non-chalantly looking under the stalls from the mirror to see if I can see other peoples' shoes. Not a pair in sight. What luck!!
Back at the table I tell Mark my story, which is a lot more funny after knowing nobody was there. He said, "that's the kind of thing you need to blog about!"
Hence the blog.
Sunday, November 18, 2012
It's a?????
Last Friday, we went in for my 20 week checkup and ultrasound. I decided to pull the girls out of school and let all the kids come along. They were so excited! I really didn't want to find out what I was having but I caved. With 2 girls and 2 boys I already have everything I need but the hang-up is our bedroom situation. The girls each have their own room but the boys already share. I knew that if I had another girl, I could just have her share with Emma. The problem was if I have another boy. I don't want to put 3 boys in one room. We would need to convert the toy room into Derek and Jared's room and that would take time.
In the waiting room, waiting to be called back
All ready to find out!
Up to this point, everyone was always asking me what I thought it was. I was 90% convinced I was having a girl. I've been carrying this baby the exact same way as I did when I was pregnant with Makayla and Emma. My belly has stayed really small and high. With my boys, I was already big at 3 months. I also carried them low. My mouth was hanging open long enough to swallow next summer's annoying flies when I saw her write on the ultrasound, "It's a Boy!"
I was like, "uh...what? Come again?"
Mark was laughing and the kids all started talking at once.
Makayla said, "Oh man! More trains and bowling!"
Emma said, "Oh! Another little brother. I wanted a girl!"
Derek said, "Mom, Mom, it's a boy! There's a brother in there!"
Jared just wanted Mark to pick him up and hold him.
I have to admit that after a couple months of being convinced it was a girl, it took me a few days to re-wire my brain to the "I'm-having-a-boy" state of mind. I thought that having a girl at the end would be fun and she would be spoiled rotten by everyone in the family. Now I'm thinking that I'll have my 3 little musketeers (or 3 stooges if you prefer) to play and get in trouble together. They will have so much fun growing up together and will be best friends.
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Happy Hauntings!
I love Halloween! I love fall and all the color changes and Halloween is the start of the holiday season. Mark is always in a great mood because football is in full swing and we have all different kinds of weather coming in to enjoy.
Halloween morning started off with an orchestra performance I attended for the pre-schoolers-1st graders. Makayla and Emma both play in the 2nd year orchestra. Even though it is only for 5th graders, the teacher has allowed Emma to be a part of the group. She should technically start 1st year orchestra next year when she's in 4th grade but Ms. Skidmore wanted her in. They played 3 different songs and Makayla played a solo. After they finished, they handed out treats to all the kids.
The kids all had parties in their classrooms but unfortunately they were all at the same time and all happened when I needed to start teaching fiddle lessons. They said they played fun games and ate yummy treats.
My Grandma, Mom and Dad, Justin and his family, and Justin's in-laws came over. I bought stuff to make personal pizzas and had that ready for whenever they came. Our neighborhood is a lot of fun and we know a ton of people so it is fun to see everyone come to the door dressed up. Our neighbors down the street make scones for everyone so that was a fun house to hit.
I stayed behind and handed out candy to the kids. My grandma came back after going and taking some pictures and we sat out on the porch and visited. It was such a nice night out! After having a rainy and cold week, the weather decided to be merciful for Halloween and was one of the warmest Halloween nights in a century! It was between 70 and 75! We had a great night.
Halloween morning started off with an orchestra performance I attended for the pre-schoolers-1st graders. Makayla and Emma both play in the 2nd year orchestra. Even though it is only for 5th graders, the teacher has allowed Emma to be a part of the group. She should technically start 1st year orchestra next year when she's in 4th grade but Ms. Skidmore wanted her in. They played 3 different songs and Makayla played a solo. After they finished, they handed out treats to all the kids.
The kids all had parties in their classrooms but unfortunately they were all at the same time and all happened when I needed to start teaching fiddle lessons. They said they played fun games and ate yummy treats.
My Grandma, Mom and Dad, Justin and his family, and Justin's in-laws came over. I bought stuff to make personal pizzas and had that ready for whenever they came. Our neighborhood is a lot of fun and we know a ton of people so it is fun to see everyone come to the door dressed up. Our neighbors down the street make scones for everyone so that was a fun house to hit.
Makayla was the Mad Hatter. I had no idea what I was going to do for her costume but we only ended up buying the hat. My mom had fun doing her make-up and did a great job!
The Mad Hatter, a Zombie Cheerleader, Thomas and a BYU football player
After my Mom did Makayla's make-up she said, "Ok Emma, let's glam you up!" Emma was like, "Noooo! I want to be disgusting!"
My dad with Thomas and Minnie
Trick or Treat!
Sorting the loot! Justin and Chelise with daughters Aysha and Daylie, Jared and Derek
Crashing after a long night of fun
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Derek's Birthday
When I was pregnant with Derek, I wanted to be induced as far away as possible from Halloween. I'm sure glad I did that. It is so hard trying to get everything ready for a birthday party and then switch gears quickly into Halloween. After cleaning up from one party, we move on to the next!
Derek's 6th birthday was on Thursday, Oct 25th. We pulled Makayla and Emma out of school and went to lunch at McDonald's. Even Mark took time from work to come with us. Later that night, we had our family gifts and a low key evening.
Friday was Derek's friends party at our house. Every time I asked him what kind of party he wanted, he would switch the theme. It was everything from airplanes and red-eyed tree frogs to Jake and the Neverland pirates. I decided I would choose and chose a pirate theme. It seemed like the easiest thing for decorating and finding stuff at the store. He loved it!
We made personal pizzas when the boys arrived and while they cooked, they played outside on the scooters. After they ate, we did the pinata, played the mummy wrap game, ate cake and ice cream, opened presents and played some more outside on the scooters. It was a lot of fun and everyone had a great time. (At least they seemed like they did!)
Derek's 6th birthday was on Thursday, Oct 25th. We pulled Makayla and Emma out of school and went to lunch at McDonald's. Even Mark took time from work to come with us. Later that night, we had our family gifts and a low key evening.
Booty on the table
Makayla and her two friends were a huge help for the party.
Making pizzas.
playing the mummy wrap game
Derek wrapping up Shane
Luke wrapped up??
Luke breaking free of toilet paper
It's pinata time!
Opening presents from Luke and Noah
We made personal pizzas when the boys arrived and while they cooked, they played outside on the scooters. After they ate, we did the pinata, played the mummy wrap game, ate cake and ice cream, opened presents and played some more outside on the scooters. It was a lot of fun and everyone had a great time. (At least they seemed like they did!)
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Scrapaway!!
Every year I look forward to the invite to go to scrapaway with my friends from Colorado. We usually go to a place in Colorado Springs where the lady runs it out of her house. It is so amazing because she cooks and cleans and we don't have to lift a finger. We hang out in the basement and watch movies, conferences and get in the hot tub. Well, this year, the owner called and said her father-in-law had unexpectedly passed away and she was going to have to cancel for the first time ever. This was on Tuesday and we were supposed to drive down Thursday. Well, my dear friend Carli and some of the other ladies scrambled to find a substitute place for us to go to. Luckily they stumbled across this fabulous cabin by Buena Vista. It is a 3 hour drive from their homes but it is a GORGEOUS drive!!
My flight left really early Wednesday morning and Carli came and picked me up. From there we went to Costco and Target to pick up food for the retreat. That was the only drawback of the new place. We had provide and cook our own food. We picked really easy things to put together and got tons of delicious snacks and junk food too :) Later that night, Carli had a debate party at her house for the first presidential debate. It was like Christmas for Carli. She loves politics and especially loved how well Mitt did. It was fun to watch with someone so passionate about it.
Thursday morning we spent preparing food so we wouldn't have to make it at the cabin. I made coconut waffles and I helped Carli with her cheesy vegetable soup. We left around 2 to caravan to the cabin. On the way up, we stopped in Silverstone to shop at the outlet mall. It was really chilly and I had only packed summer clothes so I bought a couple of long-sleeved shirts. We spent a few hours walking around the shops and then ate at Old Chicago. Our waiter was really out of it and seemed to be on something. We were laughing about it but then became really annoyed when the whole thing took over 2 hours. He kept forgetting things and taking forever to get our stuff (food, dessert, checks). Oh well.
We arrived at the cabin in the dark with sleet coming down like crazy. I'm amazed we found it when there was no light or signs. Thank goodness for GPS! We unloaded and warmed up with hot chocolate by the fire. The cabin is 3 stories and was completed in 2010. Everything is really nice and cozy.
Friday, Saturday and Sunday we spent scrapbooking, watching movies, watching conferences, and eating great food. 3 of us, including me, brought our laptops to work on stuff so we got the comfy couches in front of the tv. The other 3 set up tables behind the couches so they could watch as well. It was a great setup and everyone got a lot accomplished. I wanted to do an online photobook but the website kept freezing and losing my pictures. After several attempts to do the same page, I gave up and caught up on my blog. I'll do the photo book when I get home.
After spending the weekend here, we've all decided that we would rather come back to this place every year. We like having the whole cabin to ourselves and not having to worry about disturbing a family upstairs. Obviously the cooking thing would be better done by someone else but it was easy enough to all share the load and we made simple meals.
We'll drive home after the last session of conferences today. Tomorrow Carli and I will spend the day doing fun things (yet to be planned). She has to teach a voice lesson at 4 and then we'll go out with her family to dinner at Cinnzetti's. It is an amazing all you can eat Italian buffet that is so wonderful it makes my mouth water thinking about it :). We don't have it in Idaho so it is definitely a rare treat! Then they'll take me to the airport. My flight doesn't leave until around 10ish and I won't get home until around midnight. Perfect!
I love getting away for a while but it always makes me appreciate my family. I can't wait to see them. I've missed them! Mark is so great to encourage me to go and helps me so much with getting the kids taken care of. He takes over everything at home and is so great! I'm so lucky!
My flight left really early Wednesday morning and Carli came and picked me up. From there we went to Costco and Target to pick up food for the retreat. That was the only drawback of the new place. We had provide and cook our own food. We picked really easy things to put together and got tons of delicious snacks and junk food too :) Later that night, Carli had a debate party at her house for the first presidential debate. It was like Christmas for Carli. She loves politics and especially loved how well Mitt did. It was fun to watch with someone so passionate about it.
Thursday morning we spent preparing food so we wouldn't have to make it at the cabin. I made coconut waffles and I helped Carli with her cheesy vegetable soup. We left around 2 to caravan to the cabin. On the way up, we stopped in Silverstone to shop at the outlet mall. It was really chilly and I had only packed summer clothes so I bought a couple of long-sleeved shirts. We spent a few hours walking around the shops and then ate at Old Chicago. Our waiter was really out of it and seemed to be on something. We were laughing about it but then became really annoyed when the whole thing took over 2 hours. He kept forgetting things and taking forever to get our stuff (food, dessert, checks). Oh well.
The big chair is a great spot to spend in the sun, eating breakfast
Micaela, Carli and Jamie
My spot for the last 3 days
Erica and Kris
The view out the big windows
Micaela, Me and Carli waiting to eat
Kris, Carli and Erica helping with dinner
A group shot on the front deck
These ladies are so fun!
Carli and Me!!
Friday, Saturday and Sunday we spent scrapbooking, watching movies, watching conferences, and eating great food. 3 of us, including me, brought our laptops to work on stuff so we got the comfy couches in front of the tv. The other 3 set up tables behind the couches so they could watch as well. It was a great setup and everyone got a lot accomplished. I wanted to do an online photobook but the website kept freezing and losing my pictures. After several attempts to do the same page, I gave up and caught up on my blog. I'll do the photo book when I get home.
After spending the weekend here, we've all decided that we would rather come back to this place every year. We like having the whole cabin to ourselves and not having to worry about disturbing a family upstairs. Obviously the cooking thing would be better done by someone else but it was easy enough to all share the load and we made simple meals.
We'll drive home after the last session of conferences today. Tomorrow Carli and I will spend the day doing fun things (yet to be planned). She has to teach a voice lesson at 4 and then we'll go out with her family to dinner at Cinnzetti's. It is an amazing all you can eat Italian buffet that is so wonderful it makes my mouth water thinking about it :). We don't have it in Idaho so it is definitely a rare treat! Then they'll take me to the airport. My flight doesn't leave until around 10ish and I won't get home until around midnight. Perfect!
I love getting away for a while but it always makes me appreciate my family. I can't wait to see them. I've missed them! Mark is so great to encourage me to go and helps me so much with getting the kids taken care of. He takes over everything at home and is so great! I'm so lucky!
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Happy Birthday Mark!
Mark's birthday was actually Sept. 5th but at least it's only been a month ago. Mark is my knight in shining armor! He is so wonderful and I have loved being married to him for 12 years. He is a great husband and father and does so much for our family. He is funny and uplifting and can always put a smile on my face. Mark has always been supportive of me and the things I do. He encourages me to do things and get out (as I'm typing this from the middle of Colorado!). The kids love to be around him and cry and cry if he ever goes out of town for business. I am so blessed to have Mark in my life and am so grateful for another year that has come and gone with him in my life.
My mom and dad came over for pizza and cake. They are so wonderful!
Jared loves a good birthday party :)
We were supposed to go out and celebrate Mark's birthday that Friday with our great friends, Jen and Chet, but I ended up getting really sick. Jen was so sweet and came over and put together strawberry shortcake (Mark's favorite) as a surprise. Mark was at Makayla's soccer game so she came over while he was out. She put up a bunch of crepe paper and tissue paper for him to walk through when he came through the door. Chet and the kids came over as well. Even though I could barely get off the couch, she still came over and made it nice for Mark. What a great friend!! He loved it!
Brigham City Temple
We were fortunate enough to attend the Brigham City Temple open house in August. My sister-in-law, Julia, lives in Perry and had us come and stay with her. Our kids were so excited to be able to go inside a temple. The Brigham City temple was constructed to look like some of the older temples and has gorgeous woodwork and details all throughout. There is such a wonderful feeling in the temple and the spirit was so strong as we walked through. It hadn't even been dedicated yet!
It was a beautiful day and we took several pictures outside. I love how the
church makes everything so beautiful and the upkeep is immaculate. Every
temple is like that and represents such beauty and pride in what is most
important to us.
Wow!
The call for senior missionaries is still strong and I am excited to one day serve with Mark. What wonderful opportunities lay ahead! I'm so greatful for conferences and modern revelation. I love President Monson and know he is our prophet today.
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